Google has launched the Android 12 public beta after unveiling it at Google I/O 2021. Our senior editor Dieter Bohn delivered an exclusive deep dive into the innovative Material You design language and all the key new features. Excellent news: if you own an eligible device, you can access it today—I'll guide you through the process based on my hands-on experience testing betas.
The best part? No need for the complex, error-prone manual flashing. Just enroll your device with a few clicks via desktop or mobile browser, and you'll receive the over-the-air (OTA) update in minutes.
Enrolling sets your device up for all future beta updates, including the stable release, via OTA. Remember, this is pre-release software, so expect potential bugs. Always back up your data to the cloud first, and consider using a secondary device rather than your daily driver.
First, confirm your device compatibility.
Installation varies by device, but it's simplest for Google Pixel phones—no complex steps required.
For Pixels, visit the Android 12 beta site and opt in. Select "View your eligible devices" to find yours. You may get a notification to install; otherwise, go to Settings > System > System update > Check for update.
If no update appears immediately, be patient—I've seen it arrive within minutes in past betas, though Google notes it may take up to 24 hours.
For non-Pixel devices like OnePlus, Oppo, or others, check manufacturer-specific instructions, as processes differ.
